Despite their winning streak, which is the longest
since their 10 win streak from 2009 to 2011, Russia’s chances for reaching the
World Grand Prix Finals remain a far reach where they stand in ninth place with
14 points. World No. 8 Germany, however, who have won only one of 10 World
Grand Prix matches against Russia, is in a tighter spot in 11th
place and 12 points.

Russia’s Nataliya Goncharova stepped up to lead her
team with 21 points throughout the match, while Germany’s Maren Brinker was her
team’s top scorer with 15 points.

Defending and successive two-time world champions
Russia(world No.6), whose height average is 186cm against the rivals’183cm, got
off to a dismal start in the first set. Germany, led by hard-attacking Saskia
Hippe and veteran Christiane Furst, played exceptionally well to win the
closely-contested first set 25-22.

Germany continued their winning streak in the second
set, as Russia became more prone with unforced attacking mistakes. Germany led
from the start to finish to take the easy second set 25-17.

Russia’s Tatiana Kosheleva and Nataliya Goncharova allowed
Russia to come back in the third set, overpowering the German’s defense with powerful
attacks, giving Russia the 25-18 win.

Russia still showed their brave fight in the fourth set.
Kosheleva and Goncharova overcame the smaller blockers with aggressive attacks
to help their team win the set 25-19.

In the tiebreak set, Russia proved stead to capture the
exciting battle 15-11 and the grueling 3-2 match.